Apparatus for shaking paint cans



Dec. 10, 1968 N. GRUBELIC 3,415,495

APPARATUS FOR SHAKING PAINT CANS Filed March 15, 1967 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 HIHHH il I11 INVENTOR. #1010445 :iRL/BEUC A TTORNEY Dec. 10, 1968 N. GRUBELIC 3,415,495

APPARATUS FOR SHAKING PAINT CANS Filed March 15, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. lV/C'HOZA s GRUBL-Z/C Dec. 10, 1968 N. GRUBELIC 3,415,495

APPARATUS FOR SHAKING PAINT CANS Filed March 15, 1967 5 s t -s t 5 INVENTOR. NICHOLAS snaaeuc Arm/war FIG. 7 BY 1366- 1968 N. GRUBELIC APPARATUS FOR SHAKING PAINT CANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 15, 1967 INVENTOR.

A la/G445 Dec. 10, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet .5

Filed March 15, 1967 .m w ma e T. NW M $1 N 1 r IA M l M .M 0 0: I: Z 7 4 m a L fim F United States Patent 3,415,495 APPARATUS FOR SHAKING PAINT CANS Nicholas Gruhelic, 480 NW. 12th St., North Miami, Fla. 33161 Filed Mar. 15, 1967, Ser. No. 623,288 18 Claims. (Cl. 259-75) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A can shaker for paints or other material comprising a clamp adjustable to carry different sized cans, centrally pivoted to a base and oscillated by compressed air actuated means controlled by a valve actuated by the oscillation of the clamp to alternately feed compressed air and exhaust compressed air.

Brief summary of the invention This invention relates to apparatus for shaking paint cans and the like articles.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character described comprising a clamp to receive and hold various sized cans of paint or other substance to be shaken and mixed, compressed air control means to oscillate the clamp, and means controlled by the oscillation of the clamp to control said compressed air control means.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character described comprising a base, a can clamp pivoted thereto mediately the ends thereof, said base being provided with at least one cylinder for a piston linked to said clamp and valve means to control feed of compressed air to the cylinder and exhaust of air from the cylinder, and said valve means being operatively connected to said clamp.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the character described in which the clamp comprises an oscillating member, and means are slidably mounted thereon to grip opposite ends of a can for clamping the latter.

A still further object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character described having a clamp which will fit both pint and quart cans.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character described in which the clamp is linked to a piston in a cylinder formed in the base of the apparatus and is also linked to a spring pressed member on said base, and wherein the compressed air moves the piston in its cylinder to rotate the clamp in one direction, and in which the spring pressed member rotates the clamp in an opposite direction, to exhaust air from a cylinder.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a strong and durable apparatus of the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which shall be smooth and positive in operation, easy to maintain and yet practical and efiicient to a high degree 1n use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

Brief description of the several views of the drawing In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown various illustrative embodiments of this invention,

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof, with parts broken away and in cross-section;

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FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the lower end of the apparatus showing the side opposite of that shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but with the closure member removed;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional View taken on line 8-3 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial front vertical view of apparatus embodying a modified form of the invention, with parts broken away and in cross-section, and showing the clamp in position for gripping a pint size can;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on line l010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial view similar to FIG. 9 but showing the position of a clamp part when gripping a quart size can;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 1212 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 9, with part of the base in cross-section; and

FIG. 14 is a crosssectional view taken on line 1414 of FIG. 13.

Detailed description of the invention Referring now in detail to the drawing, 10 designates apparatus embodying the invention. Said apparatus comprises a base 11 on which is mounted for oscillation, a clamp 12.

The base 11 comprises a fiat base plate 13 to the underside of which a pad 14 may be attached. Fixed to the top of the base plate 13, is a base block 15 of substantially rectangular horizontal cross-section and provided with a front face 16, a rear face 17 and side faces 18. The base block 15 has a top horizontal surface 19. Extending upwardly from the top surface 19 is a central projection 20 provided with a pair of front and rear parallel upwardly projecting apertured ears 21 carrying a horizontal transverse cross pin 22 fixed against rotation by said screws 23. The pin 22 projects forwardly and rearwardly beyond the cars 21 in opposite directions, as at 24, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

The base block 15 is furthermore formed with a pair of parallel vertical cylindrical bores 25 located on opposite sides of the projection 20 and spaced equal distances from the pin 22. The cylindrical bores 25 are open at the top. They may have reduced portions 26 at their lower ends. The block 15 is formed with a transverse horizontal bore 30 extending to the rear surface 17 and located substantially at the level of the lower ends of the cylinders 25. The axis of bore 30 is in a vertical plane passing through the axis of pin 22. The block 15 is counterbored at the surface 16 thereof, to form an air pressure chamber 31 communicating with the bore 30. Said block is furthermore formed with symmetrical passages 32 leading from the lower ends of the cylinders 25 to an annular shoulder 33 formed between the chamber 31 and the bore 30. These passages 32 are located on opposite sides of the bore 30. The block 15 is further formed with a screw threaded opening 34 in the surface 16 thereof and at one side of the block, and with a passage 35 connecting said screw threaded opening with said chamber 31. Said block is furthermore formed with outlet passages 36 connecting the lower ends of the cylinders 25 with diametrically opposed sides of the bore 30.

Screwed to the threaded opening 34 is a valve 37 provided with a petcock 38. The valve 37 may be connected to any suitable source of compressed air (not shown). When the petcock 38 is open, compressed air will pass through the passage to the chamber 31. The chamber 31 may be closed by a closure member 40 which is attached to the block by screws 41 passing through threaded openings 42 in the block. The closure member 40 is formed with a central socket 43 at its inner surface, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

Rotatably mounted within the bore 30 is a valve member 45. The valve member 45 comprises an axial valve part 46 surrounded by a valve part 47. Valve part 47 comprises a portion 48 journaled within the bore 30 and is provided with a circular flange 49 at its front end, contacting the annular shoulder surface 33 of the chamber 31. Valve part 47 may be made of plastic and is fixed in any suitable manner to the valve part 46 which may be made of metal. The flange 49 is formed with two openings 50 and 51. In one angular position of valve member 45, opening 51 registers with one passage 32 in which position the opening 50 is offset from the other passage 32. Such position is shown in FIG. 7. In such position compressed air from chamber 31 will pass to the passage 32 which is aligned with the opening 51 to bring compressed air to the lower end of the cylinder 25 shown on the left side of FIG. 6. Valve part 46 projects rearwardly beyond surface 17 of block 15 and is formed with an axial opening 46a terminating short of the front end of said part, thereby forming a tubular rear end portion leading to the atmosphere. The tubular rear end portion is formed with a pair of angularly offset openings 54, 55. Valve portion 48 of valve part 47 is formed with openings 56 and 57 registering with the openings 54, 55, respectively. When the opening 51 registers with the passage 32 on the left side of FIG. 6, openings 55, 57 register with the passage 36 leading to the cylinder 25 on the right side of FIG. 6. Upon rotating the valve member 45 in a counterclockwise direction, looking at FIG. 7, and hence in a clockwise direction, looking at FIG. 8, opening 50 will register with the passage 32 on the right side of FIG. 6 and opening 51 will become aligned with passage 32 on the left side of FIG. 6; and at the same time openings and 57 will become misaligned with respect to the passage 36 on the right side of FIG. 6 and openings 54, 56 will register with the passage 36 on the left side of FIG. 6.

Within each of the cylindrical bores 25 is a piston 60 carrying a transverse pin 61.

Clamp 12 comprises a pair of parallel coextensive bars 63. Between the ends of the parallel bars 63 are vertical parallel plates 64 fixed to said bars by screws 65. The plates 64 project up above the bars 63. Said plates 64 are formed with aligned screw threaded openings 67. Screwed through the threaded openings 67 are screws 68 each provided with a knob 69 at its outer end. Attached to or mounted on the inner ends of the screws 68 are round clamp plates 69a. By turning the knobs 69, the plates 69a will move toward each other or away from each other depending upon direction of rotation of the knobs. A paint can P may be placed between the plates 69a and tightly held in place by properly operating the knobs 69.

The upstanding cars 21 are disposed just inside the parallel bars 63. The outer ends 24 of the pin 22 is journaled in aligned openings 70 in the bars 63. The pins 61 on the pistons 60 are connected by links 72 to parallel cross pins 73 mounted on and between the bars 63. The upper ends of the links 72 have openings through which the pins 73 pass.

Fixed to the rearwardly projecting portion of valve part 46 is a radial arm carrying a pin 81 at its outer end. The pin 81 is connected by link 82 to a pin 85 fixed to the rear bar 63. On each pin are placed coil compression springs 74 interposed between the upper end of link 72 and bars 63. A coil compression spring is interposed between closure member 40 and valve part 46 and has one end received in socket 43.

The operation of the device will now be described. As the compressed air coming through the valve 37 enters chamber 31, in the position of the apparatus shown in the drawings, compressed air passes through opening 51 and passage 32 to the lower end of the left cylinder shown in FIG. 6, thereby causing the piston in said left cylinder to rise. At the same time the piston in the right cylinder moves downwardly and air in the right cylinder shown in FIG. 6 and below the piston, passes through passage 36 and openings 57, 55 to the center bore 46a, and is exhausted. As this motion proceeds, valve member 45 is rotated by link 82 and arm 80 to cause compressed air to enter the right cylinder of FIG. 6 and to raise the right piston and lower the left piston and to exhaust the air from the left cylinder through passage 36 and openings 56, 54. This oscillating motion is continuous to shake the can P and mix paint or whatever other material is in the can.

In FIGS. 9-14 there is shown apparatus 10a embodying a modified form of the invention. The apparatus 10a comprises a base formed with a pair of vertical cylindrical bores 101 and 102 open at their upper ends. The base is, furthermore, formed with a horizontal through bore or openings 103 extending from front to rear. Said base is furthermore formed with an air inlet passage 105 extending from a front face 106 thereof to the lower end of the cylindrical bore 101. The base is furthermore formed with an air outlet passage 107 extending from the lower end of the cylindrical bore 101 to the middle of the horizontal bore 103.

Attached to the front face 106 of the base is a cap or case 108 surrounding the front end of the bore 103.

The case 108 may be circular and formed with an annular flange contacting front face 106 and fixed thereto by means of screws 110. The case 108 forms a chamber 111. Screwed into the front wall of the case 108 is an air valve 112 for supplying compressed air to the chamber 111. The valve 112 may be connected to a suitable source of compressed air.

Fitted within the bore 103 is a valve member 113. Valve member 113 comprises a horizontal round stem 114 extending all the way through said passage and projecting rearwardly beyond the rear face 115 of the base. At the front end of the stem 114 is an annular head or flange 116 contacting the front face 106. The valve member 113, as will appear hereinafter, oscillates with respect to the base.

The head or flange 116 is located within the chamber 111. It is formed with a through opening 117 which in one angular position of the vlave member, registers with the passage 105 and in another angular position thereof is offset therefrom.

The stem 114 is formed with an axial opening 120 open at the rear end of said stem. Said stem 114 is formed with a through opening 121 communicating with the axial passage or opening 120.

When the valve member 113 is in a position where the opening 117 registers with the passage 105, the opening 121 is offset from the passage 107. In the position of the valve member 113, where the opening 117 is offset from the passage 105, opening 121 registers with the passage 107. Thus, compressed air passing through the valve 112 and entering in the chamber 111 will pass through the opening 117 into passage 105 and to the lower end of the cylindrical bore 101 to admit compressed air to the lower end of said bore. When the valve member is in such position, compressed air cannot exhaust through the opening 121 which is then offset from the passage 107. When the valve member 113 is moved to shut off passage 105, then compressed air is exhausted from passage 107, opening 121 and passage 120. A compression spring 122 may be interposed between the casing 108 and the valve member 113, as shown in FIG. 14 of the drawing.

Slidable in the cylindrical bore 101 is a piston 125, connected by lin-k 126 to a horizontal cross pin 127 mounted on the side walls 128 of a clamp 130. The plates 128 are coextensive and parallel to one another and are attached to opposite sides of a pair of parallel, vertical plates 131, 132 as by screws 131a and 132a, respectively. The plates 128 are connected by a transverse pin 135 mounted on apertured ears 136 extending upwardly from the base.

Slidably mounted in the cylindrical bore 102 is an inverted cup 140. A coil compression spring is interposed between the cup 140 and the bottom of the bore 102. The cup 140 is connected by a link 142 to a transverse pin 143 mounted on the plates 12 8. The pin 143 is parallel to and at the horizontal level of the pin 127.

As the piston 125 moves up due to supply of compressed air to the cylinder 101, the clamp 130 will oscillate in one direction to compress the spring 141. When compressed air is shut off from the cylindrical bore 101, compressed spring 141 will raise the inverted cup 140' to oscillate the clamp in an opposite direction thereby moving the piston 125 downwardly in the bore 101 to exhaust the air through the passage 107, opening 121 and opening 120. Centering springs 145 may be mounted on cross pins 127 and 143 and interposed between the Links 126, 142 respectively, and the parallel plates 128.

Fixed to the rearwardly projecting end of the stem 114 is an arm 150 connected by a link 151 to a pin 152 on the rear plate 128. As the clamp 130 oscillates, the link 151 will hence oscillate arm 150 to thereby oscillate the valve member 113. Thus when the valve 112 is opened and compressed air is allowed to enter chamber 111, the clamp will be oscillated back and forth due to the synchronization of the movement of the valve member 113 with the movement of the piston 125 and the cup 140.

Means is provided on the clamp to mount either pint or quart size paint cans thereon. To this end, plate 131 is formed near its upper end with a through opening 160. It is also formed with diametrically opposed through notches 162 extending upwardly and downwardly from the opening 160. The notches 162 are vertically aligned with one another and extend in opposite directions. The inner face 131b of plate 131 is formed with horizontally aligned diametrically opposed notches 163 extending in opposite directions. Extending through the through opening 160 is a longitudinal, horizontal rod 164. Fixed to the outer end of the rod is a cross handle 165. At the inner end of the rod 164 is a pusher head 166. Fixed to the rod 164 are transverse outwardly extending pins 167, spaced inwardly from and parallel to the cross handle 165. The transverse pins 167 will fit into the notches 163 when said transverse pins are in horizontal positions as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawing. However, by turning the handle 165 through an angle of 90, the pins 167 will become aligned with the notches 162 and then the rod 164 may be pulled to the left so that pins 167 will pass through the notches 162 to the position shown in FIG. 11. When the rod 164 is in the position of FIG. 9, the clamp will accommodate pint size paint cans.

Slidably mounted on the plates 128 is a paint can grip member 170. Member 170 has a back wall 171 adapted to be contacted by the pusher head 166. Said member 170 has a bottom horizontal edge 171a resting on the upper edges of the plates 128. It is furthermore formed with a pair of downwardly extending flanges 172 slidably contacting the outer surfaces of said plates 128. Said member 170 is formed with a circular depression 174 of a diameter to receive one end of 'a pint size can 175. Said depression 174 is annular forming an internal shoulder or periphery 174a. Said member 170 is, furthermore, formed with an inner surface 176 spaced from the depressed surface 174. Said member 170 has a top horizontal edge 177 spaced above the inner peripheral edge 174a. The vertical surface 176 extends up to the horizontal edge 177 and to a pair of parallel inner vertical shoulders 178 tangent to the inner peripheral edge 174a. With such construction,

one end of a pint can may be slid down along the surface 176 between the vertical shoulders 178 until the can is centered with respect to the depression 174 and then moved longitudinally against said depression.

Said member 170, furthermore, is formed with a surface 179 spaced from the surface 176 and extending to inner oppositely curved shoulders 180 forming part of a circle of a diameter receiving one end. of a quart paint can. The surface 179 extends to the edge 171a. The bottom half of the inner shoulder 174a extends to the surface 179. One end of a quart paint can may be inserted between the inner shoulders 180 to contact the surface 179. A quart paint can, designated by numeral 181, will project below the edge 171a and above the edge 177 as shown in FIG. 10. The projections 172 are of a thickness to extend from the outer surface 183 of member 170 to the inner surface 184 of said member.

Member 170 may be slidably moved lengthwise of the clamp from the quart paint can receiving position to the pint paint can receiving position.

A second member 170a is slidably mounted on the plates 128 and is symmetrical to the first member 170. The members 170 may be identical and can move toward and away from each other. However to move the second member 170, there is provided a screw screwed through a threaded opening 191 in the plate 132 and disposed coaxially of the rod 164. A knob or handle 193 is fixed to the outer end of the screw 190' and a pusher head 194 is fixed to the inner end of the screw. Thus the rod 164 may be moved to desired pint or quart position and the screw 190 is then manually rotated to tightly clamp either 'a pint or quart can on the clamp. In either case, the paint can will be centered with respect to the clamp member 130.

The base 100 comprises a central portion 100a formed with an undersurface 100b. Extending outwardly of the central portion 100a are a pair of wings 1000 which project both rearwardly and forwardly of the central portion and extend below said undersurface 10011.

The wings 1000 are hollow at their undersides forming top walls 100a, end walls 100e, front and rear walls 100i, and inner walls 100g. Contacting the underside of the top walls 100d are sponge rubber pads 10% formed with vertical through openings 100i receiving screws 100j passing through said through openings 100i and screw into wooden blocks 100k, which extend below the underedges 1001 of the wings. The top walls 100d as well as the pads 100k and the Wooden blocks 100k are formed with through openings 100m to receive screws or bolts or other fastenin members (not shown) for attaching the base to a bench.

The provision of rubber pads 100k as well as the provision of the pad 14 as shown in FIG. 4, has been found to be important since the pads absorb shock when the paint shaker is in motion. The pads also prevent or eliminate noise when the machine is in use.

It will thus be seen that there is provided an apparatus in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In combination, a base, a member pivoted to said base, means on said member, to clamp opposite ends of a can therebetween, and compressed air actuated means to oscillate said member for shaking a can clamped between said clamp means, said compressed air actuated means comprising a cylinder fixed in the base, a piston in the cylinder, link means pivoted to said piston and to said member, to connect said piston to said member on one side of its pivot, means to feed compressed air to said cylinder and to exhaust air from said cylinder, said feed means comprising a valve element mounted for oscillation in the base, and means to connect said valve element to said member for synchronous oscillating movement therewith.

2. The combination of claim 1, and spring means on the other side of said pivot to move said member relative to said base.

3. In combination, a base, a member pivoted mediately the ends thereof to said base, means at each of the opposite ends of said member, to clamp opposite ends of a can therebetween, and compressed air actuated means to oscillate said member for shaking a can clamped between said clamp means, said compressed air actuated means comprising a pair of cylinders formed in said base, pistons in said cylinders, link means connecting said pistons to said member on opposite sides of the pivot for said member, means to alternately feed compressed air to each cylinder and simultaneously exhaust air from the other cylinder, said last means including a valve, and means cooperative with said valve and said member to cause back and forth movement of said valve in synchronization with the oscillation of said member.

4. The combination of claim 3, said alternate feed means comprising, a chamber in said base, means to feed compressed air to said chamber, said base having passages connecting the lower ends of said cylinders to said chamber, said valve being mounted for oscillation relative to said base and having means disposed in said chamber, to alternately open and close said passages as said valve is oscillated, said base having air relief passages extending to said cylinders, and said valve having an axial exhaust passage leading to the atmosphere, and formed with openings connecting the exhaust passages alternately with said relief passages as said valve is oscillated.

5. The combination of claim 4, said means connecting said member to said valve comprising a radial arm fixed to said valve and link means connecting said arm to said member.

6. The combination of claim 3, said member comprising a pair of parallel walls, said link means comprising a pair of parallel transverse pins fixed to and disposed between said parallel Walls and on opposite sides of said pivot, and a pair of links pivoted to said pistons and having openings through which said parallel pins pass.

'7. The combination of claim 6, and a pair of coil compression springs on each pin between each link and said pair of parallel walls.

8. In combination, a base, a member pivoted to said base, means on said member, to clamp opposite ends of a can therebetween, compressed air actuated means to oscillate said member for shaking a can clamped between said clamp means, said compressed air actuated means comprising a cylinder fixed in the base, a piston in the cylinder, link means pivoted to said piston and to said member, to connect said piston to said member on one side of its pivot, means to feed compressed air to said cylinder and to exhaust air from said cylinder, and comprising a valve element mounted for back and forth movernent in the base, and means cooperative with said valve element and said member to cause back and forth movement of said valve element in synchronization with the oscillatory movement of said member.

9. The combination of claim 8, said member comprising a pair of opposed end walls fixed to said member, aligned separate screws screwed to said walls, a knob on the outer end of each of said screws and a plate on the inner end of each screw to engage an end of a can.

10. The combination of claim 8, each clamp means comprising a plate slidably mounted on said member, and screw threaded means to move at least one of said plates relative to said member.

11. The combination of claim 8, said clamp means comprising means adjustable to clamp cans of different length and diameters to said member.

12. The combination of claim 11, each clamp means comprising a clamp plate slidable and nonrotatably mounted on said member.

13. The combination of claim 12, each clamp plate having recesses of different diameters to receive ends of cans of different diameters.

14. The combination of claim 8, resilient pad means attached to the underside of the base so that the base may rest on a bench, and said base being provided with means to fasten the base to the bench.

15. In combination, a base, a member pivoted mediately the ends thereof to said base, means at each of the opposite ends of said member, to clamp opposite ends of a can therebetween, and compressed air actuated means to oscillate said member for shaking a can clamped between said clamp means, said clamp means comprising means adjustable to clamp cans of ditferent lengths and diameters to said member, said clamp means comprising at least one clamp plate movable longitudinally of said member, a rod slidable in said member and having means to move said clamp plate, and means to hold said rod against movement in one direction, relative to said member, in a plurality of positions.

16. In combination, a base, a member pivoted mediately the ends thereof to said base, means at each of the opposite ends of said member, to clamp opposite ends of a can therebetween, and compressed air actuated means to oscillate said member for shaking a can clamped between said clam means, said compressed air actuated means comprising a cylinder for-med in said base, a piston in said cylinder, means to link said piston to said member on one side of said pivot, said base being formed with a bore, a valve element mounted in said bore for oscillation and formed with a passage leading to the atmosphere, means in the base forming a chamber, means to supply compressed air to said chamber, said base being cylinder and with a second passage connecting said cylinder to said bore, said valve element having means to alternately open said chamber to said first passage while closing said second passage to the passage in the valve element which leads to atmosphere and to close off the first passage from said chamber and open said second passage to said passage in said valve element which leads to atmosphere, and means cooperative with said valve element and member to oscillate said valve member in synchronization with said member.

17. The combination of claim 16, and said clamp means comprising means to clamp various size cans to said member.

18. The combination of claim 16, and spring means interposed between said member and base, and disposed on the opposite side of said pivot.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,109,233 2/1938 Jorgenson 25972 2,151,123 3/1939 Lavine 25975 2,599,833 6/1952 Holmlund 259-72 2,894,309 7/1959 Brzowski 259--72 X 3,301,534 l/l967 Orser 259-75 ROBERT W. JENKINS, Primary Examiner. 

